​How to Clean Mold in Your Home

Housekeeper's Hand With Glove Cleaning Green Mold From Wall With Sponge And Spray Bottle

How to Clean Mold and When to Consult a Professional

There are many misconceptions when it comes to cleaning mold in your home. Some websites suggest mixing exotic-sounding concoctions that may have varied results in your home. Here is how to clean mold the right way.

Bleach Kills Mold (Sometimes)

One myth that permeates the internet is the suggestion that bleach will not kill mold. This assertion is not entirely correct. On non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, and some tiles, you can use bleach safely to kill the mold and remove it. Mix it with water, spray it on the material, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then wipe it away with a sponge. However, bleach will not remove mold from porous materials such as wood or drywall. In these situations, it may merely lighten the coloring and make it seem as though the fungus is disappearing.

Steps to Take That Eliminate Mold in Most Cases

Determine whether you are dealing with porous or non-porous materials. For moderate mold growth on non-porous materials, you may be able to do away with the problem yourself.

  • Restrict area access. We recommend the use of plastic sheets and painter’s tape to prevent any spores from traveling through your home. Close up vents, doors, and even windows.
  • Invest in a respirator with HEPA filtration. Household cleaners that contain bleach, or commercial fungi killers, release harsh chemical smells. Moreover, protect yourself from breathing in the mold spores.
  • Suit up. Old clothing, gloves, and goggles are good options. The cleaners you will use can cause eye damage if any droplets reach your retina.
  • Use cleaning agents according to label instructions. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Doing so can result in the inadvertent creation of toxic fumes. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions even if you do not see results right away. Consider the use of spray bottles to target the application of the cleaners. Continue to spray and clean until you removed all visible signs of mold growth.
  • Discard cleaning materials. If you use paper towels, regular towels, and sponges during cleanup, discard them in plastic bags. Consider disposing of the clothes you wore during the mold cleanup.
  • Vacuum dry areas with HEPA vacuum. This is not your shop or home vacuum cleaner. Instead, it should be a specialty product that prevents the release of mold spores back into the air.
  • Dehumidify the area. Run a dehumidifier to dry the area. Fungi need moisture to grow. Removing it inhibits growth.
  • Fix the source of the moisture build-up. Find out what causes the mold to grow in the first place. In some cases, it may be an undetected leak in an attic or basement. In other cases, it could be a concrete foundation that was not secured with a vapor barrier.

What Happens If the Mold Comes Back? How Do I Clean Porous Materials?

Learning how to clean mold from non-porous surfaces is possible. Granted, it is a labor-intensive process. However, cleaning mold from porous surfaces calls for the assistance of an expert. In many cases, professional remediation is more extensive than a homeowner wants to tackle. Contact Healthy Air USA today to learn more about your options or to schedule a mold cleanup.

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